KALUNDA, DA ROCHA FIRED UP FOR TITLE CLASH

All on weight at EFC 73 weigh-in today

North West, South Africa – Athletes from around the world gathered at the Sun City Sun Park today, to weigh-in for tomorrow night’s interim welterweight title clash between the DRC’s Gunther Kalunda (4-0) and Brazil’s Jose Da Rocha (9-4).

With welterweight champion Dricus De Plussis unavailable to fight, the division’s two top contenders are stepping into the breach, and behind them 20 more athletes ready to claim their own space in the spotlight.

Former title contender Da Rocha was the picture of calm in the face of a fired-up Kalunda, who stormed into their face off, extending his fist to actually touch Da Rocha’s cheek, who merely shrugged.

“Tomorrow is a big fight. It is my time to be the champion in EFC,” said the Brazilian, referring to his previous loss to Du Plessis.

Kalunda was far more confrontational. “He is going to die tomorrow!” he shouted, to the roar of the always present Congolese faithful.

Zimbabwe’s Elvis Moyo takes on the USA’s Jared Vanderaa at heavyweight. In contrast to the rest of the card the giants greeted each other warmly, faced off clean, and wished each other a good fight.

Both are exceptional strikers, Moyo with a train of brutal KO’s behind him, and their bout is a certain highlight for tomorrow night.

Behind them a sizzling three fights fill up the main card.

Rising star Steven Goncalves takes on hardened veteran Sizwe Mnikathi, Cameron Pritchard makes his lightweight debut against a seething at the bit Anicet Kanyeba, and the ‘Apocalypse’, the legendary Ricky Misholas, steps in against new standout Juan Bezuidenhout in a heavyweight clash.

In addition, tomorrow’s prelim card features three EFC debuts. Danie Swart, Christian Bobo and Roy Lokolo all step into the hexagon for the first time.

“All athletes made weight without any difficulties today,” said EFC talent VP Graeme Cartmell. “There’s an incredible spirit running through the roster. I think tomorrow night is going to be exceptional.”

The official EFC 73 weigh-in results are as follows:

Fight 1: Featherweight

Danie Swart 65.90kg

Amisi Kabeya 65.60kg

Fight 2: Welterweight

Christian Bobo 75.40kg

HP van Staden 77.00kg

Fight 3: Middleweight

Roy Lokolo 82.90kg

Mzwandile Hlongwa 83.00kg

Fight 4: Bantamweight

Asiashu Tshitamba 60.90kg

Wade Kerpsuy 60.60kg

Fight 5: Lightweight

Tshilumba Mikixi 69.80kg

Pierre Botha 69.30kg

Fight 6: Heavyweight

Matunga Djikasa 108.50kg

Kevin Koekemoer 119.9kg

Fight 7: Heavyweight

Juan Bezuidenhout 112.90kg

Ricky Misholas 111.50kg

Fight 8: Lightweight

Anicet Kanyeba 69.40kg

Cameron Pritchard 69.90kg

Fight 9: Featherweight

Sizwe Mnikathi 66.00kg

Steven Goncalves 65.40kg

Fight 10: Heavyweight

Jared Vanderaa 115.30kg

Elvis Moyo 119.90kg

Fight 11: Welterweight Title Fight

Jose Da Rocha 76.90kg

Gunther Kalundaa 76.90kg

EFC 73 Kalunda vs Da Rocha, Moyo vs Vanderaa is presented by Betxchange.com and takes place on Saturday 8 September live from Sun City, North West, South Africa. Tickets are on sale at computicket.com, and the 5 main card bouts will be broadcast live on Kwesé Free Sports 1 (Kenya & Rwanda), Kwese TV (Sub-Saharan Africa), SABC 3 (South Africa), Fight Sports (Where Available) and EFCworldwide.tv (Where availabl) starting at 21:30 (CAT). Full broadcast details available on efcworldwide.com. Prelim fights will be available for free on the official EFC Facebook page.